Page 95 of Knight’s Dominion

When she stepped out, she was greeted by a male demi. He led her to a set of doors and pushed them open.

The place was enormous, and gorgeous. She didn't know what she'd been expecting, but the tasteful surroundings and elegantly dressed people milling around, talking and laughing while a female in the corner played the piano for a little mood music, was not it. A high-stakes poker game or a mass orgy, maybe. Not this.

"Impressive, huh?" said the demi holding the door, and she realized she was still standing there gaping.

"Uh...yeah." He chuckled lightly and closed the door behind her. A waiter swung by and offered her champagne. “Thanks.” She took a glass, with no intention of drinking it.

"Grace, you made it," Oden said, moving toward her, those cold black eyes glittering.

Like she'd had any other choice, but she could play his game. She just wished she knew what the rules were. "Of course. So what are we celebrating?”

“You’ll know soon enough.” He took her hand, lifting it to his mouth and kissed her fingers. He was wearing a ring. Heavy gold and with the same symbol as the one she’d seen on the cuff link she’d found at Tina’s apartment, the same ring the demon who attacked her on the roof wore.

She barely resisted the urge to yank her hand away and punch the asshole.

“Just an FYI, there’s no cell service here, at all. In case you wanted to contact anyone?” His lips curled up in a tight smile. “Come, let me introduce you to some of my associates."

Now she knew why they’d let her keep her phone.

Over the next hour, Oden paraded her around the room like some trophy wife, introducing her to several males, all powerful. She could literally feel it rolling off them, and for some reason they were all more than a little excited to meet her. Like they had some secret joke going on, and no one had bothered to fill her in.

Finally, he took her to the far side of the room, where a couple stood. The male was tall, his features unusual but handsome in a weird way. The female at his side was about Grace's height but with some serious curves. Dressed like a Gothic princess, she was striking with her pale skin, violet eyes, and black makeup. Her only splash of color was the red stripe of hair down one side of her face. The male at her side had his long fingers wrapped around the back of her neck in a possessive hold, but it was more than that—this male dominated her, and not in the sexy way.

He wanted to make sure she knew who was boss, who was stronger...who was in control.

Grace itched to take the fucker’s head off.

Oden stopped in front of them and dipped his head like he was addressing royalty. "Sir, I'd like you to meet Grace. The female I was telling you about."

The taller male leaned in and whispered something in goth girl’s ear. The female tensed. It was slight, but Grace didn't miss it or the tight, forced smile she aimed at him before he released his hold on her. Her unusual violet gaze darted to Grace before she walked away.

The male didn’t give his name, just stared at her, his hawk-like gaze moving over her from head to foot.

Grace forced a smile. "Nice to meet you."

That almost black gaze finally landed on hers and held. The hair lifted at the back of her neck, and every single instinct she possessed went on high alert.

Demon.

A full-blooded disciple of Hell, and he had his hand extended, waiting for her to take it. She had no choice, and when he clasped his fingers around hers, he tugged her a little closer. Those black eyes didn't leave hers, and she was positive he could see inside her, see everything. She pulled her hand back, but he held firm.

"It's lovely to finally meet you, Grace. I've heard so much about you."

His voice was impossibly deep and grated down her spine. "I wish I could say the same." If this creep had been granted sanctuary, she'd eat her left boot. No way would Chaos, or any of the knights, let this fucker out and keep breathing.

A small grin tugged at his thin lips. The effect was terrifying. "Oh, we'll soon be very well acquainted." He released her hand, and she had to stop herself from rubbing her palm against her dress. He looked over her shoulder to Oden. "Well done. She is everything you said and more."

What the fuck was this?

Oden took her elbow and, after making their excuses, bowing his head and backing away like a simpering rodent, he quickly led her away, a shit-eating grin spreading across his face. "Good girl. You've pleased me tonight.”

Like I give a shit. She spun to face him. “Why am I here, Oden?”

They wanted her, she knew that. Did they want her for Diemos’s army? More than likely. They were constantly trying to grow his numbers here on Earth. Demi were regularly abducted for their powers and kept as prisoners by demons. She was well aware that hers was unique. Had one of them sensed it?

He ran the back of his knuckles down the side of her face and she jerked out of reach.

"There are things I can't divulge just yet. But I can tell you that every person in this room is working toward the same goal, or will be soon.”